Conference Weekend

This weekend was General Conference. Brett and I decided to make more of an effort to watch every session. We always watch both sessions on Sunday, and Brett always attends Priesthood session, but we don't always sit and focus on the Saturday sessions. We usually turn on the radio or TV and have the Saturday sessions going in the background while we do other things. There's nothing wrong with that, as long as you're really listening, but I have a hard time paying close attention to conference while I'm pulling weeds or doing things with the kids. I get the most out of it when I'm listening AND watching - it's a visual learning thing or something I guess. So I think we got a lot more out of conference this time and I'm glad we're setting a higher standard for ourselves and the kids.

The kids did pretty well being cooped up inside for two days watching conference. I did get frustrated at times when they got too loud and were playing so much that they were not even pretending to listen to conference. I don't expect them to sit and listen and nothing else, but I like to think that they're at least getting something out of it! I think next year if we prepare them more for conference, have more quiet games for them to do, and explain clearly what our expectations are, that they will actually respond to it better. My friends Tonya made a bunch of fun snacks and things for her family and I think we'll try that next year and make it a fun 2-day event.

Of course, when I talk about next year for conference, I'm reminded that this baby is due on April 6th which lands right on the next conference Sunday. So either I'll be super-mega-sized at that point and will plant myself on the couch for two days of conference, or I'll have a brand new itty-bitty little baby and plant myself on the couch for two days. Hmmm - I guess we better start preparing now if we're going to make General Conference an important event in the lives of our children!

So as far as talks that I enjoyed from this conference go, the ones that stick out in my mind right now are these: I enjoyed Julie B. Beck's talk on motherhood. She talked about "mothers who know" and the qualitites that these women should have. Part of me was very inspired by this talk, and the other natural-man part of me was despairing that I'd never be that woman! We women are so hard on ourselves. Another talk I enjoyed was by Dallin H. Oaks, who has always been one of my favorite apostles. I met him when I was young when I attended a Utah Valley Symphony concert with my Dad. Elder Oak's son played french horn in the orchestra and though we were sitting up high in the back, we ended up sitting right behind him! I was probably 12 or 13 and I remember sitting right behind a balding man and thinking "from behind, that man looks like Elder Oaks!" And it was! Anyway, Elder Oaks spoke about priorities, specifically choosing between the good, the better, and the best. He mentioned Mary and Martha in his talk. I loved this talk and felt that it perfectly complimented Sister Beck's talk from earlier. Presidently Hinckley spoke about the restoration, specifically about Joseph Smith. Richard G. Scott gave a very deep talk and I actually felt like I missed a lot of it becaue it soared right over my head! That will be one to go back to read and study.

Other news from conference - President James E. Faust of the 1st Presidency passed away a month or so ago. Elder Henry B. Eyring was called into his place. Quentin L. Cook was called to be one of the 12 apostles. I enjoyed listening to both of these men speak.

Overall, conference was wonderful and uplifting. I look forward to getting the next Ensign and reading and studying the talks more at that point. I'd like to make more of an effort to read through all of them. As Elder Oaks spoke about, I hope I can begin simplifying my life more and choosing not just the better part, but the best.